How to Select Quality Pu-erh Dragon Balls

Dragon balls are a convenient and elegant way to enjoy pu-erh tea. Also see our related guide on choosing high-quality dragon balls. Here is how to select the best quality for your needs.

Visual Inspection

Appearance:

Uniform round shape
Tight compression
Consistent color (dark green for raw, brown-black for ripe)
No loose leaves or debris
Clean, lustrous surface

Size and Weight:

Standard: 5-10 grams per ball
Dense for size indicates quality
Uniform sizing in a batch

Aroma Assessment

Before Brewing:

Raw: Fresh, floral, slightly sweet
Ripe: Earthy, clean, woody
Avoid: Musty, chemical, or moldy smells

After Hot Water:

Pleasant, inviting
Complex layering
No off-notes

Leaf Quality Check

When Unfurled:

Whole or large leaf pieces
Presence of buds (silver tips)
Consistent leaf size
Minimal stems or fragments
Natural color after brewing

Taste and Brewing Performance

Quality Indicators:

Clear, bright tea liquor
No cloudiness or sediment
Smooth mouthfeel
Pleasant aftertaste (huigan)
8-12 good infusions

Red Flags:

Harsh or chemical taste
Excessive bitterness (raw)
Muddy or flat flavor
Only 2-3 infusions
Unpleasant finish

Price and Value

Entry Level: $0.50-1.50 per ball

Daily drinking quality
Acceptable for beginners

Mid-Range: $2-5 per ball

Notable characteristics
Good value for quality

Premium: $5-15+ per ball

Exceptional leaves
Famous mountains
Collector grade

Source and Authenticity

Buy From:

Reputable tea vendors
Clear sourcing information
Good storage practices
Positive reviews
Return policy

Ask About:

Tea mountain origin
Production year
Processing method
Storage conditions

Storage After Purchase

Cool, dry place
Away from strong odors
Airtight for short-term
Some airflow for aging (raw)
Avoid direct sunlight

Common Mistakes

Judging only by appearance
Buying without sampling
Choosing cheapest option
Ignoring storage history
Purchasing too much initially

Conclusion

Select quality dragon balls by examining appearance, aroma, leaf quality, and taste. Start with samples from trusted vendors, compare different options, and trust your palate. Quality tea brings joy with every infusion.